Blue Mountains

When was the last time you explored the Blue Mountains; sampled an award winning restaurant; taken a rejuvenating beauty treatment in an intimate health spa; gazed out at a majestic landscape of waterfalls, rainforest and awe inspiring cliffs.

Explore its beauty

Spring is a magnificent time to explore the Blue Mountains. Take to the trails on the back of a mountain bike. Learn to abseil or rock climb with an experienced guide or take a yoga or meditation course in the beautiful mountain setting. Discover the Blue Mountains you dont know.

Nature at its best

Located less than two hour's drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offers a natural wonderland of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife. Vast views reach to the horizon, waterfalls plummet to the valleys below and there are numerous lookouts and other places where you can sit alone with nature. All this and more on Sydney's doorstep.

Accommodation

Whether it's a luxurious hotel or resort, a charming guesthouse or a cottage, you'll find it here, and there is a great range of restaurants, cafes and country pubs to match.

Boutique galleries

Highlights include picturesque towns and villages with shops, boutiques, art and antique galleries, and cafes. There are activities for all ages and fitness levels from high adventure abseiling, mountain biking or horseriding, to a gentle stroll through the pristine scenery.

In the Blue Mountains region, luxury, tradition and a stunning natural environment combine to provide you with a holiday you will never forget!

Echo Point

Echo Point is the main lookout area for viewing the Three Sisters. Superb views look down into the Megalong Valley and across to the Ruined Castle.

Many bushwalks start from this point, including the Three Sisters Walk and Giant Stairway.

Jenolan Caves

Around 450 million years ago when Australia's eastern coastline was further inland, coral atolls developed around a series of partially submerged volcanoes, The coral became compressed and developed into Australia's most spectacular lime-stone caves.

James McKeown, as escaped convict and bushranger is the first white man known to have entered the caves, using them as a hideaway. About 1840, James Whalan had a horse stolen and tracked it to McKeown's Valley. Whalan saw the immense opening in the limestone as they rode by. His brother, Charles was interested in the report and eventually discovered the caves. Fame spread and visitors not only explored the caves but took many pieces away with them.

The government appointed Jeremiah Wilson as guide and caretaker of the caves in 1867. The name was changed to Jenolan, Aboriginal for 'high mountain' in 1884. Visits to the cave were quite primitive with candles in holders the only lighting and nights spent camping in grand arch in minimum comfort.

Improvements were gradually made to the caves with cement floors and handrails added, and electric lighting in 1887. In the late 1880s the road from Mount Victoria and Hartley was built allowing carriages to drive all the way.
In 1884 the 'six foot track' was built. Many more caves were discovered, the last being the River Cave in 1903.
Jenolan Caves are world famous limestone caves containing amazing rock formations. Guided tours of caves take about two hours and contain many steps.

Katoomba

Katoomba is easily the best place to get the full experience of being in the Blue Mountains. It's home to one of Australia's icons of nature, the Three Sisters, and its surrounding walkways are equally enticing and as gentle as you like. In town, you'll find an array of boutique and local fashion, as well as cosy dining experiences at all levels.

The middle of the year sees a special time with Yulefest, which is the Blue Mountains community's own Christmas celebrations.

Westward from Katoomba stands the sheltered remains of the Marked Tree known as the Explorers Tree, reputed to have the carved initials of the three explorers who first crosssed the Blue Mountains.

Leura

Leura is a historic village with quaint little tea houses and craft shops nestled amongst turn-of-the-century buildings. Leura retains its own distinct identity with a real village atmosphere. The main street, The Mall, feels quite secluded from the highway. Leura is packed with great cafes, art galleries and small boutiques, and is renowned for its beautiful gardens.

Leura 1st Sunday Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month from 9.30am to 3.00pm at the Leura Public School, Great Western Highway, Leura.

For more information contact:
Echo Point Visitor Information Centre
Echo Point KATOOMBA
Ph: 1300 653 408
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (closed Christmas Day)

Megalong Valley

Megalong is an Aboriginal word thought to mean 'Valley Under The Rock'. The first record of a European coming to the valley was of Thomas Jones, a natural history specimen collector, who followed the course of Cox's River from Burragorang to Hartley in 1818. The first land was taken up in 1838, those settlers travelling from Burragorang and Camden.

The best bushwalking in the Megalong is the historic 'Six Foot Track'.

For more information contact:
Echo Point Visitor Information Centre
Echo Point KATOOMBA
Ph: 1300 653 408
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (closed Christmas Day)

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